A comprehensive new educational resource has been unveiled to spark interest in railway careers among young people, coinciding with the 200th anniversary of the modern railway. The “Railway 200” teacher and parent toolkit, launched as part of a year-long national campaign, is believed to be the largest educational resource of its kind in the rail industry.
Developed to celebrate the bicentenary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway’s opening in 1825, the toolkit consolidates over 30 learning resources for Key Stages 1-4 and post-16 education into a single, easily accessible platform. Previously, educators and parents would have had to navigate over 20 separate websites to access the same materials.
The resource pack includes a variety of engaging materials, such as games, puzzles, printable worksheets, lesson plans, short films, and career profiles, covering subjects like history, maths, science, design, technology, environment, and safety.
Martyn Pennell, Railway 200’s website lead, said: “The railways are a fantastic way to bring STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Maths) curriculum topics – as well as themes like safety and Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) – to life in the classroom. We’ve worked with partners across the industry to curate these educational materials and support parents and teachers in making learning about the railways, fun and interesting for pupils of all ages.”
Emma Roberts, Railway 200 programme manager, added: “The past, present and future of the railway are all about tenacity, invention, and innovation. We want to inspire the next generation of innovators to learn about the railways and consider joining us on rail’s exciting journey into the future.”
In addition to the toolkit, Railway 200 has also launched a revamped interactive history timeline, created in partnership with the National Railway Museum. This timeline offers a comprehensive journey through 200 years of railway history and innovations, featuring maps, audio, explainer videos, and links to external sources for further research.
The initiative aims to inspire children and young adults to consider careers in the rail industry and to appreciate the historical significance of the UK’s railway network.
